Medication Information Sheet (pack li TAX ell) This document provides general information about your medication. It does not replace the advice of your health care professional. Always discuss your therapy with your health care professional and refer to the package insert for more details. Other name: Generic brand(s) available, Taxol Appearance: Clear Solution mixed into larger bags of fluids What it is used for For treating breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma or other cancers Before using it Tell your doctor if you have/had significant medical condition(s), especially if you have / had numbness or tingling in hands/feet, heart or liver problems, low blood counts, or any allergies. may harm the unborn baby. Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or plan to become pregnant. People who have cancer are at a higher risk of developing other cancers or blood clots. Also, some cancer medications, such as, may increase these risks. You should discuss these with your doctor. Pregnancy and breastfeeding Do not use this drug if you are pregnant. If there is ANY chance that you or your partner may become pregnant, you and your partner together must: Use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time while taking this drug. Do not take birth control pills if you have breast cancer. Keep using birth control until 6 months after the last dose (general recommendation). Discuss with your healthcare team. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Do not breastfeed while taking this drug. Effects on Fertility: Probable Page 1 of 6
How it is given This drug is given by injection into a vein. Dexamethasone will be given to help prevent an allergic reaction (either by injection or tablets). If you are using tablets, it is very important to take the dexamethasone exactly as directed by your doctor. In addition to dexamethasone, you will be given other drug(s) by injection before each dose to prevent a reaction. While taking it This drug can interact with other drugs; this can result in the drugs not working as well or cause severe side effects. Make sure that your doctor and pharmacist have a complete list and any new changes of all your medicines and supplements, including prescription or nonprescription drugs, vitamins and herbals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicines/supplements. Side effects and what to do The following side effects are common or severe. You may not have all of the side effects. Other side effects may occur. If you have any unusual or bothersome symptoms, discuss with your doctor. Side effects and what to do Get emergency medical help right away Contact doctor As soon Does as not possible (office hours) More common side effects (Seen in more than 10 out of 100 people; for example > 10%) Hair thinning or loss Use a gentle soft brush; care should be taken with hair sprays, bleaches, dyes and perms. Your hair usually grows back after your treatment ends, but the texture or colour may change. Diarrhea May occur days to weeks after the drug is given / after improve or if severe Page 2 of 6
treatment starts Drink plenty of clear fluids. Limit hot, spicy, fried foods, foods/drinks with caffeine, orange or prune juice. Try a low fiber BRAT diet (Bananas, white Rice, Apple sauce, Toast made with white bread). Take anti diarrhea drug(s) if given to you by your doctor. Also see Diarrhea pamphlet.* Mouth sores Maintain good mouth hygiene. Regular teethbrushing with a soft toothbrush or Toothette, and regular use of mouthwashes, especially after meals and at bedtime. Use alcohol free mouthwashes. Try rinsing mouth with a baking soda mouthwash: Half a teaspoon baking soda in a cup (250mL) of water Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, hard or crunchy foods. Check with your doctor or nurse as soon as you notice sores in mouth/lips or pain with swallowing. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription mouthwash to relieve mouth sores and prevent infection. Also see Mouth Care pamphlet.* Nausea and vomiting (generally mild) May occur in hours to days after the dose is given/ after treatment starts. Drink clear fluids and avoid large meals. Get fresh air and rest. Limit spicy, fried foods or foods with a strong smell. Take anti nausea drug(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. It is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it. Contact your doctor if nausea lasts more than 1 day or if any vomiting occurs. Also see Nausea & Vomiting pamphlet.* Mild swelling in arms and legs; puffiness Keep your feet up when sitting. Eat a low salt diet. Avoid tight fitting clothing. Tiredness Rest often; take naps if needed. Move slowly when getting up. Eat well balanced meals and drink plenty of fluids. Light exercise may help. Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery when feeling tired. Page 3 of 6
Anemia (unusual tiredness or weakness, pale skin) May occur in days to weeks after your dose is given/ after treatment starts May be due to low red blood cells Rest often. Have a well balanced diet. Light exercise may help, with short activity times and inbetween breaks. Do not drive a car or operate machinery if you feel tired or weak. Some patients may need medication or blood transfusion to correct low red blood cells. Also see Anemia pamphlet.* Unusual bleeding or bruising (may be due to low platelets) (black stools, coughing up blood, purple or red dots on skin, bleeding that will not stop) Fever, chills, infection (low white blood cells) May occur in days to weeks after the dose is given/ after starting treatment. Phone your doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency department, if your oral temperature is over 38 C or 100.4 F (unless stated otherwise by your healthcare team). Tell the health care team that you are on chemotherapy. Check your temperature, especially if you are feeling unwell with sweats, fever or chills. Take your temperature before using acetaminophen, since it may mask fever. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol ) for fever, mild headache, aches or pains. Talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen (Advil ), naproxen (Aleve ) or aspirin, since these may increase bleeding risk. If taking aspirin regularly, talk to your doctor before you stop taking it. Wash your hands often. Avoid sick people and crowds. Use a soft toothbrush. Be careful not to cut or bruise yourself. Check with your doctor before getting any vaccines, any surgeries or dental work. Also see Low Platelets and Low White Blood Cells pamphlets.* Allergic reaction (fever, severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness) Page 4 of 6
May occur during or shortly after the drug is given. Reactions at the injection site (pain, burning, redness, or swelling) Let your healthcare team know right away when this happens since this drug may irritate tissues if it leaks from the vein during injection. Joint, muscle pain or cramps May take acetaminophen (Tylenol ) tablets as needed for mild aches and pains. Talk to your doctor first before using ibuprofen (Advil ) or naproxen (Aleve ), since these may increase bleeding risk. If you feel unwell, take your temperature before using any of these drugs, since they may mask fever. Rest often, but may try light exercise. Tingling, numb toes or fingers May slowly return to normal after treatment ends. Contact your doctor or nurse if you have trouble doing up buttons, writing, picking up small objects, pain, or trouble with movement. Less common side effects (Seen in less than 10 out of 100 people; for example < 10%) Lung problems (increased cough, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood) Liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine) Pancreas problems (increased pain in centre of belly and may extend to back, appetite or weight loss) Blocked intestines (severe belly pain, bloating, severe constipation) Rupture in stomach or intestine wall (Sudden, severe pain in belly or stomach area) Serious skin rash (may include blisters or skin peeling) Heart problems (irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, swelling, shortness of breath) Blood clot (limb pain or swelling, hardened vein in limb), may occur in lungs (sudden start of coughing, breathing problems, Page 5 of 6
chest pain, coughing blood) Page 6 of 6